The answer is very simple. The law says you can have 6 mature plants and up to 8 oz of dried prossesed bud. You simply harvest only what will end up being 8 oz at any one time then remove that 8 oz from your possesion and move on to the next harvesting. If you do not harvest all of it at one time you will be ok no matter what. (except for the feds as rudy mentioned)

I agree with all that rudy had to say. As for having 12 lbs and still not having money for a lawer I am very skeptical of this. Nobody I know has ever used 12 lbs for just two people for personal use. Even I would be hard pressed to consume 1/2 lb per month and I can hang with just about anyone smoke for smoke. (I'm assuming it is 12 lbs per year probably grown outside)

regards,
Max Blast